Ask VSO: How volunteering abroad can kick-start your development career

How do you transition into aid work, or gain new skills that will make you a more valuable choice for development recruiters? One answer: Volunteer. But how do recruiters truly look at volunteer experience — does it count, and if so, how can you showcase it best in your job application? These are valid questions whether you’re an entry-level or a more seasoned professional. Fact is that volunteering can help you further your career in global development. But often, it’s hard to determine what the right volunteer opportunity for you may be. To tackle some of these issues, Devex invited three industry experts from VSO to speak at a career webinar entitled “Ask VSO: How volunteering abroad can kickstart your development career.” VSO is the world’s leading independent international development organization that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. The webinar features a presentation by Jackie Bee, VSO’s London-based head of marketing and engagement, as well as a question and answer session during which Bee is joined by her colleagues Jacky King, head of learning and development, as well as Laura Garcia Puig, volunteer support manager. Watch a recording of the webinar by clicking the video above. Can’t watch the webinar right now? Check out the audio podcast and listen to the full webinar — it’s great material for people on the go like you! Check out more career advice and analysis online, and subscribe to Doing Good to receive top international development career and recruitment news.